Study finds drunk drivers of the number one cause for fatal wrong-way driving accidents

A recent study by the National Transportation Safety Board on wrong-way driving crashes cited alcohol-impaired driving as the leading cause of collisions. As a result of the study, the NTSB is now recommending that all first-time offender DWI drivers be required to have an ignition interlock installed on their vehicle. Currently, only 17 states require interlocks to be installed for first-time offenders.

These interlocks require the offender to blow into a chamber that is able to detect if they've been drinking.

"The first step to address the number one killer on our roadways is to do what is proven to be effective - use interlocks for all DWI offenders," said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman.

The board has also strongly endorsed the continued development of passive alcohol detection technology to help prevent drunken driving. One such device is the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety -- it would prevent drunk drivers from operating vehicles by detecting alcohol on the driver's breath using breath analyzing and touch-based sensors.

In addition to methods designed to weed out drunken drivers, the report also recommends better lighting, enhanced signage and roadway markings, and GPS devices to provide warnings to drivers if they are traveling the wrong way on a road.

The NTSB also says that older drivers are more commonly involved in wrong-way collisions and is asking states to implement comprehensive older driver safety programs.

I never really saw the point of breathalyzer Interlocks. If someone's okay with driving drunk, they're certainly okay with a simple interlock electrical override switch hidden under their dash somewhere. What purpose does it serve?

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